Lighting is, most likely, one of the most fundamental aspects when it comes to interior design. Light affects the mood in a room, determines how a piece of furniture looks, and can really bring a room to life. It is important to know the basics of lighting design, so that you can effectively create beautiful and inviting living spaces. At a basic level, lighting can be broken down into three main types – ambient or general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting is used to light up an entire room, and this is usually achieved through various kinds of ceiling lighting. Task lighting is used to light up specific spots like a workspace or reading corner. Finally, accent lighting is used to highlight pieces of decor or pieces of furniture such as artwork and mirrors. Different kinds of light (such as LED or incandescent) can also be used to create certain effects. When planning your lighting, it is important to consider the size and layout of your room. The general rule is that every room should have at least three kinds of lighting i.e. ambient, task, and accent lighting. This helps to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere in the room. The quantity of light in a room is also important. It is important to ensure that lighting is bright enough to allow activities to be done comfortably, but not so bright as to feel like an interrogation room! The colour of light is also important to consider. The so-called “warmth” of light i.e. the colour temperature, can either be cool (blueish) or warm (yellowish). Cool temperatures are good for bright lighting for tasks, whilst warm temperatures are better for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As you can see, lighting can be used to great effect in any room and can really bring the whole space together. By considering the types of lighting, quantity, and the colour temperature, you can create beautiful and functional spaces.